Rafael Nadal collapses with cramp at US Open press conference

05/09/2011

Andy Murray fans – or at least the crueller ones in their number – would have been cheered by the news that defending US Open champion Rafael Nadal collapsed with cramp at a news conference last night, causing havoc and making many assume that he would have to pull out of the tournament.

However Nadal, who had just beaten David Nalbandian in straight sets 7-6 (7-5), 6-1, 7-5 and was speaking to the Spanish media when the cramp set in, has poured scorn on any rumours that he might have to pull out, saying that it was just 'normal' cramp.

'It was just cramping in the right leg, in the front and in the back. It was very painful, that's all,' said Nadal. I will train normally on Monday. It was just a normal cramp that could have happened anywhere, but it happened in the press room. Anywhere else, nobody would have noticed.'